Sunday 8th May

As forecast, we certainly got the rain, the best part of an inch fell overnight, but it was fair by breakfast time. The only problem then was that the wind picked up, not great for bird watching... James had a Wood Sandpiper in front of the hide at Gruinart today. The Magpie was seen in the wood at Gruinart again. George had a count of 24 Whimbrel in a field next to his house, while in his wood a Goldfinch nest was found. On his house, there are a few pairs of House Martins having a look at nest sites. Also in his wood today he had a Spotted Flycatcher. Last night, Mary heard her first Corncrake of the year down at Portnahaven/ Port Wemyss. Back here at home that darned Cuckoo is calling first thing in the morning, the rain did not stop it this morning, it is quiet through the day and returns late evening to remind you that it is still not far away..... (too close for comfort)